The Royal Merchant of the Red Chamber

Seeing Jia Baoyu's cowardly and timid behavior, Jia Zheng was so angry that he didn't say anything.He glanced at Xue Pan in front of Jia Baoyu again, he was only two or three years older than Baoyu, but now he not only holds the official position of the fourth-rank official guard in the study room (because of coaching recruits, he returned to Beijing from Tianjin Wei He was promoted by half a level after he took office), and the Holy One also gave him grace to let him take the command of the fourth rank, and continue to be in charge of the education of the artillery battalion.Now that he has all the benefits and fame, every time the government and the public talk about the loyal eldest son of the Hou family, who doesn't envy him?It's just that although Zhongxinhou only got such a precious egg in his life, he is more honorable than the ten or eight juniors of other families combined.

Every time they talk about their family's phoenix egg, they only think that the two are the most stark contrast.

Every time Jia Zheng heard this, he felt ashamed and anxious, and wished he could go home immediately and pull Baoyu out of the inner house to study hard and save some face for his old face.It's just that he didn't dare to act because of the old lady's pampering.

Now that the two parties are standing together so neatly, Xue Pan's expression is more and more composed, calm and graceful.Looking at the shape of his own Baoyu hiding behind the house, he suddenly felt that no matter how glorious the family's female family members are, none of the males in the family can stand up to the door.What a bright and bright flower shelf, it has begun to rot and slack from the inside.

At the moment, he also felt that there was no eBay, and he looked at Jia Baoyu with disdain, and shouted: "What a prodigal beast with no hope for the country or the family."

No matter how broad-minded and indifferent Jia Baoyu is in terms of fame, he is still just a thirteen or fourteen-year-old child after all.At this time, the child was just indulging in his father's generation, seeing Jia Zheng say that about him in front of everyone in the whole family, he felt sad and miserable, he curled his lips secretly, and simply sneaked behind Xue Pan without even looking at him. Jia Zheng took a look.

But for a moment, Xue Pan, who stood in front of him, felt a chill on his back, a sore heart, sighed silently, and cast a glance at Jia Zheng.

However, Jia Zheng was still standing on the bow of the boat unconsciously, uttering heartbreaking words one after another.Even Qing Ke, a relative who was on the sidelines, turned his face away a little bit unbearably, but Jia Zheng continued to criticize endlessly with a disgusted expression.Seeing this, Xue Pan sighed for Jia Baoyu even more.

Xue Pan frowned. Jia Zheng scolded his original good mood for nothing.Immediately frowned and said: "Baoyu has some talents in composing lyrics and prose, and he is used to reading miscellaneous books, and he has a lot of knowledge. At the same time, Baoyu is much better than those stubborn idiots who only know how to shake their heads and read books. Let's do this People don’t ask for imperial examination examiners, so why should my uncle beg for perfection? Besides, on such a happy day, it’s natural for everyone to relax and have fun. Uncle’s stern words made us not know what to do. alright."

In the past year, Xue Pan has coached recruits in Tianjin Wei. Although he didn't feel it, he actually became more dignified.And because he was completely decent in front of the Holy One, he was even more arrogant and domineering.Ordinary people naturally dare not even have the idea of ​​​​disputing.

Although Jia Zheng was Xue Pan's elder, he was no more senior than Xue Pan in the first place, no higher in political achievement than Xue Pan, no violent temper than Xue Pan, and no better than Xue Pan in honor.Now being persuaded by Xue Pan with a serious face, he was so shocked that he couldn't even utter a complete sentence.After pondering for a while, he forced a smile and said, "In that case, let Baoyu accompany my nephew to have a good time."

Xue Pan frowned inexplicably, saying "Thank you uncle" casually, and led Jia Baoyu to the back of the flower boat to have fun.

And Jia Baoyu was away from his father's eyeliner, and Xue Pan was standing on his shoulders, but he forgot Jia Zheng's reprimand for a moment, and only cared about pointing out the scenery for Xue Pan, and even had to compose impromptu poems when he was in the mood .Xue Pan naturally applauded again and again.Jia Lian, who was on the same boat, relied on Xue Pan's decency to be an official, so naturally he had to come and flatter him.For a moment, the accompanying boat behind this was even more lively than the main boat of the imperial concubine and empress in the front.

When Jia Yuanchun in the phoenix boat heard it, he couldn't help but looked back curiously, and the court ladies and eunuchs who followed him also looked sideways, looked at each other, and faintly disdain.Seeing this, the palace maid next to her held her qin, cleared her throat on purpose, and reprimanded in a deep voice: "Go and ask why the flower boats at the back are so noisy, and it annoys the imperial concubine's interest in enjoying the scenery, isn't it their fault?"

Jia Yuanchun listened carefully for a while, then shook his head and said with a smile: "Don't be cautious. It seems that all the gentlemen are in the mood to observe the scenery and write poems! It's so easy for everyone to get together during the Lantern Festival. The rules in the palace are decent. It cannot be changed, but it must be fun with the family. It doesn’t matter if we ask casually here, if I inadvertently scare them, or lose their interest in writing poems, wouldn’t it be my fault?”

Zhaorong at the side glanced at Jia Yuanchun, and sighed insignificantly.Intentionally or unintentionally, he pointed out: "In that case, why didn't the empress order them to pass on the poems they wrote for viewing?"

Jia Yuanchun said with a smile: "Now they are very interested, so there is no need. After entering the main hall, ask all the sisters and brothers to compose a few poems, and I will watch it later."

After all, he glanced at Zhaoyi gratefully.

Na Zhao lightly complied with a promise, and slowly backed away.

After a while, he abandoned the boat and went ashore again. Xue Pan, who was having fun, suddenly remembered something, and couldn't help but ask, "Where are my two younger sisters and younger sister Lin?"

Jia Baoyu smiled and said: "Stay with the ancestors! If the big brother wants to go to the garden with his sisters and sisters, I'm afraid he can't do it today. But after a while, everyone will go to the main hall to kowtow to the empress. Say goodbye to the empress for a while. We can meet if we want to."

Xue Pan frowned when he heard this, and asked, "All the men and women are feasting and listening to operas together?"

Jia Baoyu laughed out loud for a moment, and said, "How is it possible? The empress has such a noble status, how can she stay in the same room with us and listen to the opera. The empress is listening to the opera in the main hall, and there must be some old ancestors with her The family members of the mansion will accompany you below. We men will stay outside."

Hearing this, Xue Pan let out a soft breath.That's good, if not, their family's Baochai will be fine, but Daiyu and Baoqin are not married yet.I'm afraid it's not good to pass it on.

While speaking, the imperial concubine and empress in front had already abandoned the boat and went to the palace, and she saw the graceful Lin Palace and the majestic Gui Palace.The four characters of "Tianxian Baojing" are obvious on the stone archway.After scrutinizing it for a while, he just shook his head and said it was too ostentatious, and immediately ordered his subordinates to change the word "family visitation villa".

The waiter in this room is too listening, so he is busy sending word to Jia Zheng.Jia Zheng immediately ordered the Gongbi master to change the plaque without mentioning it.The man in the Hefu was shocked by the words of the imperial concubine and empress, which greatly disturbed Xue Pan's interest in traveling.He simply pulled Jia Baoyu back a few steps, not mentioning the noise ahead.

Shaoqing's etiquette eunuch came again and ordered the whole family to kowtow to the imperial concubine and empress.Xue Pan was naturally impatient with this, so he pulled Jia Baoyu and hid behind him, laughing and watching.The rest of the eunuchs, Zhaoyi, knew the origin of Xue Pan's waist, so they didn't take it seriously.Even Jia Baoyu, who was on the side, turned a blind eye.

After all the male and female relatives have been greeted, Concubine Jia retreats into the side hall to change clothes.He changed his family-speaking car and drove out of the garden to Jiamu's main room.

Xue Pan only visited this garden for four or five out of ten times, and he hadn't visited enough at all.Jia Zheng knew Xue Pan's domineering nature and would not give up until he achieved his goal, so he didn't persuade him much.He ordered Jia Baoyu to play with Xue Pan, and told them not to go too far, lest the imperial concubine and empress want to see him but can't find anyone.

Jia Baoyu happily agreed.Then he followed Xue Pan to the garden without mentioning it.

Due to the influence and nurturing of the original work, Xue Pan has the deepest memory of the three places: Xiaoxiang Pavilion, Yihong Courtyard, and Hengwu Court.Just now, following Jia Yuanchun, there were a group of elders who chattered and didn't take a look around, so they immediately urged Jia Baoyu to take him for a walk.

Naturally, Jia Baoyu had nothing wrong with it, so he took Xue Pan to stroll around these three places carefully, only to see that Xue Pan was satisfied, and then led them out with a smile.Then someone from the Rongguo Mansion who came to look for someone came to spread the word that the imperial concubine wanted to see the second master Bao.So the two hurried into the Rongguo Mansion in a sedan chair.Jia Baoyu didn't mention it since he went to see Concubine Xiande at Jiamu's place.

Not long after Jia Baoyu went in, he came out with Concubine Xiande.This time, he led Jia Yuanchun to play in the garden.Because I have just guided Xue Pan, Jia Baoyu's thinking is naturally clearer and clearer now. While introducing the exquisiteness to the empress, he may also compose a poem or two, and Yuan Chun is more and more praised for "improving the benefits" and so on. And so on, and asked Jiamu, Mrs. Wang, etc. to persuade Baoyu to study well and make progress.After all, apart from competing for the favor of the Holy Majesty, the sisters in the palace also depend on whether their family status is strong and whether they can speak in the court.Jia Yuanchun's current situation is not favored by Tu Zhen at all - not only her, none of the concubines who have been drafted into the palace have won the favor of the Holy Majesty, otherwise the Holy Majesty would not have been in the harem for more than half a year.

Therefore, although Jia Yuanchun was a little ashamed that he was still a virgin, he still accepted it with peace of mind.The people of Dayong have always been concerned about unevenness rather than scarcity. Since everyone is so shameless, there is nothing wrong with being overly sexual.So when Jia Yuanchun came back this time, he focused his attention on his own male.I just hope that some of them will be able to make a difference, support themselves in the previous dynasty, and live a more dignified and calm life in the harem.

As for the family of Xue Lin, the eldest in-law of the Jia family, Jia Yuanchun was even more concerned.Today's visiting relatives originally wanted to meet and talk about their affection.It's a pity that the son-in-law of the Lin family didn't come at all. Although the son of the Xue family came, he made it clear that he was here to join in the fun.Jia Yuanchun wanted to see him too, but she was concerned about the badge on Xue Pan's waist. If she really met, she would have to kneel down to pay Xue Pan's respect.

She babbled on about these trifles all the way, but she didn't pay much attention to the scenery in the garden, she just felt that her eyes were full of colorful flowers and splendor could be seen everywhere.Seeing that the whole family cared so much about his daughter who entered the palace, Jia Yuanchun was naturally happy in his heart, but after thinking about it, he sighed and said, "It's really too extravagant. It's too much. If God's grace is still allowed to return to the province next year, it must not be like this."

With this spare money, it's useless and lively, it's better to save it and give it to her to go to the palace.Visiting relatives this time is at most just a few hours.It's a pity that this exquisite and luxurious garden will be locked up and waiting for dust.

Jia Yuanchun felt sorry for a while, and his face became more humble and satisfied.

Seeing this, everyone in Jia's mansion naturally responded with trepidation.

Returning to the main hall for a while, everyone sat down according to their status.Jia Yuanchun glanced around at Mrs. Jia, who was accompanying the prime minister, and Sister Youshifeng, who was personally holding a bowl of soup. Finally, his eyes fell on the three sisters Xue Lin, who were in the right color and looked more brilliant in the crowd, and smiled lightly. Asked: "I heard that the eldest son of the Xue family is here today, why haven't I seen him?"

Jia Mu got up immediately, lowered her eyebrows and replied with restrained eyes: "No, outsiders dare not enter without permission."

Jia Yuanchun immediately smiled and said: "I heard people talking about this cousin's reputation as early as in the palace. I have heard about it for a long time, today I am lucky, please come in quickly and I will meet you. Besides, his sisters are all here and know him well. Baoyu is here too, isn’t he lonely out there alone? It’s better to come in and listen to the play and chat together.”

Her words were extremely humble, and everyone in the Jia family immediately looked at her in surprise.Jia Yuanchun smiled awkwardly, and became more and more kind.

For a while, Xue Pan received an imperial edict to see him.Naturally, Jia Yuanchun would not let Xue Pan make a big gift.She didn't salute herself, and after a few gossips, she asked Xue Pan to sit at Baoyu's seat.

Although he said that he wanted to win over him to the utmost, but if he flattered and flattered him as soon as he met, that would be too inferior.Therefore, Jia Yuanchun's attitude is only two points more sincere and warm on a faint level, neither far nor close, neither close nor distant, which seems to make people feel very comfortable.If she was not facing Xue Pan, but anyone else, she would have expressed her loyalty to En in fear and trepidation at this moment.

It has to be said that after so many years in the palace, Jia Yuanchun's method of controlling the temperature is really perfect.

The main hall is brightly lit and has a wide field of vision. It is just right to look at the stage in front from this angle.The food in front of me is also fresh and warm, no less appetizing than the cold and greasy food on the outside.Xue Pan hooked the corners of his mouth in satisfaction, and just as he sat down, he saw Shi Xiangyun smiling and beckoning at him, his expression stiffened.

If he remembered correctly, there was no trace of Shi Xiangyun in the original book on the day Yuanchun visited his relatives.But how come today?

Xue Pan thought about it, but couldn't figure it out.Simply don't want to.

Shi Xiangyun waved happily on the opposite side for a long while, seeing Xue Pan patronizing her in a daze and ignoring her.He pouted his mouth in displeasure.He snorted twice, and said dissatisfiedly: "What is big brother thinking, and you don't talk to me?"

Xue Pan came back to his senses, smiled at Shi Xiangyun and said, "It's nothing. I haven't seen you for a few days, how is the eldest sister?"

"I'm not good. I'm bored to death at home. You and Sister Bao didn't invite me to play. They said they would invite me to get together when they had the opportunity, but now they don't care about them. If the ancestors didn't think of me today If you don’t pick me up, I’m afraid I’m still holding back at home!” Shi Xiangyun said, looking at Xue Baochai resentfully. "You are so lively and laughing that you have forgotten me."

Xue Baochai glanced at Jia Yuanchun, but saw that the smile on her face hadn't changed, she was still graceful and gentle.Only then did the corners of his mouth curl up, and he immediately smiled and said, "It's not that I deliberately ignored my sister. It's just that I've been..."

As he spoke, his cheeks blushed, and he hesitated to speak.The shyness and coquettishness of the moment caught everyone's eyes.What a peony beauty with just the right color.

Jia Yuanchun blinked his eyes and said with a smile: "Sister Shi's words are really wishing for Sister Xue. You must know that Bao girl is waiting to be married now, so she can't walk around to treat guests at will. I still think it is a pleasant surprise to be able to come to this garden today. Royal regulations cannot be violated, even the empress dowager must follow the rules, let alone you and me?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone in the hall naturally stood up and respectfully kowtowed for the grace of heaven.

After getting up and taking a seat again, the atmosphere in the hall became a little heavy and solemn.Even Shi Xiangyun, who has always been bold and unrestrained, felt something was wrong.

Seeing this, Jia Yuanchun couldn't help but gently opened his red lips and said softly: "I have always heard several concubines in the palace talk about Miss Bao of Zhongxinhou's Mansion, and they all praised you for being gentle and amiable, open-minded, graceful, and a woman. The virtue of shutting down. When I saw you today, my sister is indeed magnificent and graceful. No wonder she was picked up by the emperor and the empress dowager at a glance, and she was chosen as the concubine for Prince Zhongchun. Although with your character, even if you entered the palace with me There is nothing wrong with being a sister. But when you think about it carefully, the ups and downs in the palace, although the wealth and honor are extremely high today, but the flesh and blood are not interesting after all. It is better to take a step back, although... But after all, it is the great grace of heaven, to be able to enjoy the family relationship happy."

After a pause, he sighed again, and said earnestly, "Baochai, you are so lucky."

Hearing this, Xue Baochai immediately got up and left her seat, walked to Jia Yuanchun, bowed and knelt down and said, "Your Majesty is too famous. Baochai is just a vulgar woman, so how can she be compared with Your Majesty. Your Majesty is a phoenix body, golden and safe, and the heavenly family is honored. My sisters and I can only kneel and beg and look up, far beyond our reach."

Jia Yuanchun immediately raised his hand and said with a smile: "Sister, get up quickly. My sisters, don't be too polite."

Xue Baochai lowered her head, curled the corners of her mouth indifferently, bowed gracefully and said, "Thank you, Ma'am."

Get up and return to your seat.Xue Baochai's expression has always been calm and elegant, with a calm demeanor.Lin Daiyu and Xue Baoqin beside her looked at each other casually and smiled.Then pretending to be unintentional, she turned her face away, looked at the joys and sorrows on the stage in front of her, and remained silent.

Shi Xiangyun rolled his eyes, thought for a while, and then smiled and said: "Your Majesty is exactly what you said. The most precious thing for us ordinary people is to enjoy the happiness of relatives and friends, and the blessings of the family. I came here uninvited, I just hope that Sister Bao will not dislike me."

Xue Baochai immediately laughed and said, "Sister, please don't say that. When I get home, I'll send a greeting card to my sister. Please go to the house and talk about it."

Shi Xiangyun said with a smile: "Since that's the case... will sister Lin go too?"

Xue Baochai glanced at Lin Daiyu, nodded and said with a smile, "Of course I'm going."

Shi Xiangyun nodded in satisfaction, and said, "It couldn't be better over there."

So everyone dropped their hands and continued to watch the play quietly without mentioning it.

After a while, Jia Yuanchun said that he asked the sisters in the middle school to write poems as a pair, and also imitated some elegant things.It was also said that on the night of Shangyuan, the scenery that Yong had seen in the past inevitably fell into the cliché, so she picked some of her favorite scenery and asked the sisters to write poems.

The rest of the people naturally had nothing to do, only Xue Pan frowned in embarrassment.

Given that his literary attainment has always stagnated in the "Three Character Classic" and "Thousand Character Classic", it is extremely difficult to compose a poem.What's more, Jia Yuanchun decided on four poems for one person.The mediocre rhythm lingered in his mind, almost killing him.

Sitting in a chair, I thought for a while, looking around.I saw that all the sisters were quietly writing poems.After a while, Xue Baochai, Lin Daiyu, and Xue Baoqin, the most talented, were the first to put down their pens.But after a while, Shi Xiangyun, who was known as an outstanding talent, also slowly raised his body.

Xue Pan's eyes lit up, and he immediately picked up a pen and wrote four balls of paper and threw them to the four girls respectively.The four girls were caught off guard by the paper dumpling that fell from the sky.After disassembling and looking suspiciously, Judu couldn't help but twitched his lips.They all glanced at Xue Pan at the same time.Only then did he pick up his pen and continue to concentrate.

After a while, four paper balls were thrown from four directions onto the table in front of Xue Pan.Xue Pan unwrapped the ball of paper with a smile, and copied the poems on it one by one on the rice paper he had prepared earlier.He looked proudly at Jia Baoyu, who had only made three songs and was still sweating profusely.

Everyone's small actions in private are naturally in the eyes of Jia Mu and others.Everyone has heard of Xue Pan's incomprehension, so they don't take it seriously.Just looking at Jia Baoyu, who was still splashing ink, and Xue Pan, who was full of complacency, he couldn't help but feel a little proud.

After being aggrieved for so long, his own Phoenix finally had something comparable to others.

Mother Jia lowered her head and smiled at Mrs. Wang beside her, "Such a scene should be seen by your master. Let's see if he still says that our precious jade is useless."

Mrs. Wang curled her lips and replied in a low voice: "The old lady is absolutely right."